Odisha Shock: Tribal Man Carries Sister’s Skeleton to Bank, Probe Finds ‘Negligence’ by Officials
In a deeply unsettling incident from Odisha, a grieving brother’s desperate act has sparked outrage and forced the administration into action.
In Keonjhar district, 59-year-old Jitu Munda walked into a bank carrying the skeletal remains of his sister, hoping it would finally convince officials that she was no longer alive.
The episode, which came to light earlier this week, has now led to an initial government probe that points to “negligence” on the part of bank officials.
What Led to This Extreme Step
Jitu Munda, a resident of Dianali village, had been trying to access the modest savings of his late sister, Kalra Munda.
The amount — ₹19,300 — may not seem large, but for him, it mattered. According to officials, he had visited the Malliposi branch of Odisha Grameen Bank earlier as well, but returned disappointed.
On Monday, after yet another frustrating visit, he took an unthinkable step. He exhumed his sister’s remains and carried them to the bank, believing that physical proof of her death would finally help him access the money.
Probe Points to Bank’s Conduct
Revenue Divisional Commissioner Sangram Keshari Mohapatra, who reviewed the incident along with the district administration, said CCTV footage suggests the bank staff failed in their duty.
“We watched the footage for over an hour. While there is no audio, the body language of the officials indicates negligence,” Mohapatra said.
He added that Munda spent over 30 minutes inside the bank that day, interacting with the manager, cashier, and even a bank mitra.
What stood out, he said, was that the staff already knew both siblings, as they had visited the branch together in the past.
“Given that familiarity, a more humane and polite approach was expected,” Mohapatra noted, adding that these observations would be part of his official report.
Bank’s Version vs Administration Findings
Bank representatives initially denied any wrongdoing.
They claimed Munda had never visited earlier and had arrived without the necessary documents, like a death certificate or proof of legal heirship. They also alleged he was intoxicated at the time.
But the administration’s findings appear to challenge this narrative. Officials said Munda seemed familiar with banking procedures and knew whom to approach with his request, suggesting he was not new to the system.
Aftermath: Claim Settled, Aid Announced
A day after the incident drew widespread attention, authorities moved quickly. The required documents — including the death certificate and legal heir certificate — were issued on priority, allowing the bank to release the funds.
Additionally, the state government provided ₹30,000 to Jitu Munda from the Red Cross fund as immediate relief.
Political Reaction and Public Anger
The incident has also triggered sharp political reactions. Former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik did not mince words, calling the episode a matter of shame for the state.
“Odisha’s head hangs in shame,” he said, pointing out that a family had to go to such lengths just to prove a death and claim rightful dues.
He also highlighted the human cost of the ordeal — that after carrying his sister’s remains to the bank, Munda had to take them back home on foot, a moment that many see as a stark symbol of administrative apathy.
A Larger Question
Beyond the immediate facts, the incident raises uncomfortable questions about how systems function for the most vulnerable. For Jitu Munda, it wasn’t just about money — it was about being heard, believed, and treated with dignity.
What should have been a simple process turned into a haunting story that has left many asking: how did it come to this?
